Chilean authorities arrested 284 people at protests dedicated to the victims of Pinochet’s dictatorship

Chilean authorities arrested 284 people during demonstrations held on Friday and Saturday in Santiago and other parts of the country to mark the 53rd anniversary of the September 11, 1973 coup, which ousted socialist President Salvador Allende. Those detained included 31 minors and 16 foreign nationals, Public Security Minister Martín Arrau announced.

Thousands of people protested against the military dictatorship, which is considered responsible for the deaths or disappearances of more than 3,200 people. For the first time since the restoration of democracy in 1990, the anniversary was not marked by an official ceremony.

During the demonstrations, protesters threw stones and sticks at security forces, who used tear gas and water cannons. Authorities reported 198 acts of violence, with no injuries. The largest protests took place at the General Cemetery, La Moneda Palace and the National Stadium, a former detention and torture center. Isabel Allende and former President Gabriel Boric attended the events.